What a weekend!

So, this weekend, my husband and I decided to really feel old, really make our son feel like a big boy, and spend some money....all in the same weekend. Ok, it wasn't that bad, but we did spend some money. We bought him a "big boy bed". We had everything but the mattress and springs.....so it was not that hard to do. We just went up to the mart, cause of course they had a sale, and we picked one up. That was after we went to BK for breakfast (can't go on an empty stomach), then bank, shopping for mom (since she is outgrowing her bluejeans and such) and getting a new comforter for the new bed (we don't have any single bed blankets), and then off to the mart. It was literally the easiest shopping trip to the mart, and we had our 4 year old with too.....that in itself is surprising! But, we did all this and made it home by 11 am.

Then, he couldn't wait till after lunch to eat, so we set it up right away. So, here I am, rushing to get the room cleared out (because I didn't think to do that before we left) and while my husband was unhooking the bundle from the top of our Santa Fe (that was quite a sight traveling down the road with that hooked to the top). But by noon, we had the bed set up with his new
sheets and comforter. Then came lunch and quiet time. After quiet time, the fun began.

So, over the past 4 years, my son has collected about every stuffed animal one can imagine. We put them in the closet, under the bed, in chairs, on shelves, the things were all over. Over the last few years, I have tried to get my son to give them away to "kids who need them more", but each time I try, he just won't part with them. So, I tried a new approach yesterday. I gathered all the stuffed animals up and put them in our living room. I brought him in and told him that he could choose 5 to keep. The others are going to kiddos that need them more. He looked at me, then a smile went across his face. Then he said, "Yeah mom!". So we went to work. We picked up around 5-6 "friends" he could keep. Then, he even picked out 4 to let his yet to be born sibling have in the baby room. The rest we packed up, with a few other toys he didn't play with or care about. We packed up the car and went to Goodwill to give them away. I have to say, I was so proud of him and surprised how well it all went.

The last thing left to put in his room is a dresser. My husband is painting it (with leftover colors from our son's room). The dresser is cute, and with all the colorful paint, shall be fun to see in his "Cars/Sports/Thomas the Engine" room. The last coat of paint was put this afternoon, so tomorrow, in it goes. Then, officially, our weekend project is complete. It is exciting and so scary at the same time! Before we know it, our son will be starting kindergarten. My, how time flies!

Friday

Well, I survived my short week. Kiddos were good and I was actually done with them around 5 pm. Early night too.

Tonight, my son had fun playing "football" with mom and dad tonight. That consisted of him kneeling down and waiting till mom said hut, hut. Then he would stand up and pretend to be the quarterback....bouncing forward and backward like he was walking on eggs really really fast. Then mom or dad, threw him his Husker football. Many times he did not catch it, but he tried. Almost all the time he fell to the floor and yelled out Ahhhh....as though he was the crowd in the action too.

Then later, he went up to dad and pretended to take dad's order. As though he worked in a restaurant. He had a "pad" and everything. Then, he went to "make" the food, which consisted of everything invisible and everything from his head.

Earlier this week, we got video of him playing "doctor" on his patients, aka...mom and dad. Even was looking for a cure of the bald head. =) Can't say he found one, and with his attention span, don't think I would count on anything from him anytime too soon.

Even though I work with kiddo each day, my day is even better when I watch the imagination of my 4 1/2 year old go beyond my thoughts. He amazes me each day!

An "Auld Lang Syne" Friday Five

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It is hard to believe, but 2007 is about to be history, and this is our last Friday Five of the year.

With that in mind, share five memorable moments of 2007. These can be happy or sad, profound or silly, good or bad but things that you will remember.

Bonus points for telling us of a "God sighting"-- a moment when the light came through the darkness, a word was spoken, a song sung, laughter rang out, a sermon spoke to you in a new way--whatever you choose, but a moment in 2007 when you sensed Emmanuel, God with us. Or more particularly, you.

1. How grown up my son has become. His speech, actions, manners, and imagination has just take off. He went from a little boy to a big boy over night. He is much more vocal and his ability to play with himself or others is so extraordinary. He doesn't let much get in his way and we have realized that he is ready to imagine being anything or playing with anything under the sun. During this holiday season, he was in the Christmas Program at our Church. This is the 1st year. He did great! And he was aware that Jesus was apart of it all. He kept asking me about Baby Jesus...."Where is Baby Jesus mom?" It made me think. It made me realize that he's not so little anymore. And it's fun to sing Christmas songs when he can sing them too and get most of the words right too.

2. My husband getting his MS degree and then hired to teach the MS community he just completed. He worked so hard and to get such an achievement just makes me so proud. We thought for a long time that we didn't have the money or ability to allow him to take this leap. After we moved to our house, he plunged right in and loved it! Although he has a hard time, sometimes, with his school, he looks forward to the insight that these teachers in his class give him. They have built him up so much these past 2 1/2 years. Words can't say what a God blessing this is for both of us for him to have this opportunity.

3. Finding out that not only am I expecting my 2nd child, but so is my sister-in-law (who just gave birth to my niece in January 2007). And ironically, we are due only weeks apart. We are both due in July. My husband and I started trying only a few months before and thought that if we plan when we want it, God will humor us or just laugh at us. Right now, he is humoring us and making it better for all of us to have a summer baby. I count my blessing each day for God's support and strength.

4. My family. It has been a tough road for me to bring my parent's divorce to terms. They separated when I was a Junior in High School and then divorced when I was in college. I had a hard time getting along with my mom and a great relationship with my dad. Good and bad has come from that. My relationship with my mom has become so much better since then, but with my dad not so much. I guess that it doesn't help that I live a state (5 1/2 hours) away, but he lives a life so different than I. He recently had a house fire in his home this summer. He had chosen to stop his home owner's insurance after my mom left and so, the fire, set him back quite a lot. I'm thankful my sister lives near him, but that still doesn't help me feel better about his living situation or how he chooses to move on (another story, another date). I pray for God's guidance and peace each day with this and thank him for bringing peace to a bad relationship between my mom and I.

5. Lastly, I want to express my thankfulness for a wonderful husband that God has brought me too. No, I have been married to him since May 2000, but he surprises me on a daily basis and in 2007 is no different. When we first found out I was pregnant, he went and got the results from the test. He was not only excited, but skipped down the hallway to tell me. He has given up the bed so I can sleep and not get sea-sick with his constant tossing and turning (been going on for about a month now), he gets a bucket or holds back my hair when I do get sick, sticks around during nap-time so I can make a doctor appt or even catch a few winks myself, and completely takes care of our son, so I can feel better. Each day is a blessing and when you are pregnant, the little things count the most. I love him more each day and look forward to so much more in the future! What can I get away with when the baby comes? =)

Back to the swing of things....

So, today was my 1st day back at work again. It's been a good 5 day break.

Friday, after work, my hubby's parents came. They did come a bit early, but that didn't keep our son from showing his excitement. After a quick trip to the grocery store, he showed how Big Boy he can be. He (all by himself) figured the best way to help mom put the groceries away was to take everything out of the bags and set it on the table. Oh my goodness, was that a huge help! I was able to look at everything and find it's proper place. So, while Dad vacuumed, we put away food and got ready for bed. Every time my son saw our driveway light come on, he got excited that Grandma and Grandpa were there. He would run around the house and yell across the way that the light came on. After a little explaining, he would settle down for 2-3 minutes, until the light came on again. So, we decided to settle down to read a few books. Dragging out bedtime as long as we could. Then 9 pm hit. 1 hour past his bedtime and we finally said it was time to settle down for bed. And right then, Grandma and Grandpa pulled in the driveway. Forget bed then! But our son was great and he did go to bed a bit later and it was an enjoyable evening for all.

Saturday was relaxing and we got food prepared for Sunday Dinner, then relaxed. That night, my husband sang in a Christmas Cantata at our church. It was great! We all went and his brother and brother's girlfriend met us their. Then out to supper afterwards.

Sunday, we had dinner together, then opened Christmas gifts. Our son was so excited, that after dinner (before gifts) we were cleaning up. He sneaked into the living room and opened a gift. Then Grandpa caught him. It was quite funny and very hard to discipline, but somehow we made him understand that he needed to wait. =) Everyone left that night and the rest of the week (through Dec 26) was just my husband and son and I.

I have to say that Christmas is enjoyable most years, but you never realize how much fun it is until you have time to reflect, relax, and rejoice about. Seeing the look in my son's eyes as we sat out cookies for Santa and his excitement of running around exclaiming how "Merry Christmas" to everyone just makes me so happy and thankful for this time of year. The joy that my family brings me is so great that it's hard to believe that I can share anymore excitement.

Well.....then there is our news. We found out that we are expecting again. We are due in July. We are all so excited. We did plan this baby and feel blessed for the time of year it will come. It will be good for my daycare to have a summer baby, and my husband will have so much more time to help....I mean enjoy =) the newest member. I'm just happy that we are pregnant and that my son can understand what is going on.

My son is over excited. He did go through a few weeks where he was "pregnant" too. He would pat his tummy and "show" me where the "baby" was. These past few weeks, he has declared himself not pregnant, because it is "too much work". But though he is not expecting, he seems to follow my symptoms. If I feel sick, somehow he does too. One night, it took a bit of convincing for him to go and eat a meal that Dad prepared that the smell brought thoughts about sitting around the toilet to me. He declared that he was "sick too" and needed to rest. After some understanding that his tummy needed food and that mom would play a game with him after supper, he bound into the kitchen for a well deserved meal.

Well, there is the news from my household. As of this week I am 13 weeks, and heading into my 2nd trimester soon. Keep me in your thoughts as I am slowly, but surly getting over the nausea and tired feeling. =)

The Awaited One

by Max Lucado

We were a wreath of Light around the stable, a necklace of diamonds around the structure. Every angel had been called from his post for the coming, even Michael. None doubted God would, but none knew how He could, fulfill his promise.

I’ve heated the water!”

“No need to yell, Joseph I hear you fine.”

Mary would have heard had Joseph whispered. The stable was even smaller than Joseph had imagined but the innkeeper was right- it was clean. I started to clear out the sheep and cow, but Michael stopped me. “The Father wants all of creation to witness the moment.”

Mary cried out and gripped Joseph’s arm with one hand and a feed trough with the other. The thrust in her abdomen lifted her back, and she leaned forward.

“Is it time?” Joseph asked.

She shot back a glance, and he had his answer.

Within moments the Awaited One was born. I was privileged to have a position close to the couple, only a step behind Michael. We both gazed into the wrinkled face of the infant. Joseph had placed hay in a feed trough, giving Jesus his first bed.

All of God was in the infant. Light encircled His face and radiated from His tiny hands. The very glory I had witnessed in His throne room now burst through His skin.

I felt we should sing but did not know what. We had no song. We had no verse. We had never seen the sight of God in a baby. When God had made a star, our words had roared. When He had delivered His servants, our tongues had flown with praise. Before His throne, our songs never ended. But what do you sing to God in a feed trough?

In that moment a wonderful thing happened. As we looked at the baby Jesus, the darkness lifted. Not the darkness of the night, but the darkness of the mystery. Heaven’s enlightenment engulfed the legions.

Our minds were filled with the Truth we had never before known. We became aware for the first time of the Father’s plan to rescue those who bear His name.

From An Angel's Story
(originally published as Cosmic Christmas)
Copyright (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2002, 2004) Max Lucado

It's Almost Christmas, Friday Five!

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I have debated with myself for weeks about today's Friday Five.

• Self 1: It should be deep and theological.
• Self 2: But it's almost Christmas, it should be fun and warm and sweet.
• Self 1: But your last Friday Five was sort of silly. You should show your more serious side.
• Self 2: You worry WAY too much!

So after consulting with my fourteen year old daughter, we're going playful, pals o' mine! I love stories, so I hope you'll tell some about your favorite Christmas memories.

1. What was one of your favorite childhood gifts that you gave? My siblings and I gave my mom a bell for a Christmas one year. My mom collects bells and we found the "perfect" one. My siblings kept giving "hints" to her of what it was. I was so proud of this gift and wanted to keep it a secret. I got so frustrated at all of them, I just blurted out, "If you don't knock it off, I'm going to take that bell and ring it in your face!!!" Even though I let the cat out of the bag, my mom still loved it and I loved that beautiful bell!
   
2. What is one of your favorite Christmas recipes? Bonus points if you share the recipe with us. My Grandma K's sugar cookie recipe. It's not as bland as the other sugar cookies that I can buy in the store. It actually is quite yummy!! Even without the frosting. =)
3. What is a tradition that your family can't do without? (And by family, I mean family of origin, family of adulthood, or that bunch of cool people that just feel like family.) Grandma K's cookies! It's a must each Christmas!
   
4. Pastors and other church folk often have very strange traditions dictated by the "work" of the holidays. What happens at your place? The changing of the Days till Christmas calendar. The kiddos just love to hear that Christmas Day is coming closer and closer. They get so excited. First it was to just make sure it was up to date, now it's to make sure I can see an excited face turn into a big grinning one.
   
5. If you could just ditch all the traditions and do something unexpected... what would it be? I would go and visit another part of the country and invite the family to join me. Like, Florida, Texas, California....someplace warm, but that still celebrates the season. Just for a change.
   

Merry Christmas from RevHRod, Self 2!

5 days till Christmas

Dear Santa,

Each year, we celebrate Christmas with our friends and family. This year is a bit different. This year, my husband and I decided to stay home. We thought this may be easier on your so you didn't have to track us down through South Dakota, Nebraska, and any other state we travel through.

Our son is so excited for your arrival. Last night, we were at the store and the cashier asked him who was coming to his house soon. Without thinking about it, he said your name, "Santa". Yes, he bypassed Grandmas and Grandpas any kiddo that comes to daycare, and anyone else he finds close to him. Yes, he said Santa and he was smiling
from ear to ear.

Earlier that same evening, he was standing by the Christmas tree and saw an ornament that looked like you and he had to give it a kiss and a pat on the head.

I just wanted you to know how much he cares. He loves Santa Claus and looks forward to your visit on the 24th.

We'll leave the cookies by the tree and don't forget to wipe your feet before entering.

Merry Christmas!

God Bless the Garbage Man

So today was unlike any other. The kiddos were just being their "normal" active selves. They laughed, cried, played, and now...down for nap. 5 minutes ago, I heard a noise and realized the Garbage Man was coming. (It is actually a guy). I quickly realized that my husband and I forgot to put the garbage out on the curb. Quickly, I opened our very noisy garage door, forgetting about the sleeping kiddos upstairs that may hear it. And ran the garbage out the curb. I had no shoes on, just my socks. I stepped in a very cold and wet puddle on the way. To my disappointment, I saw the garbage truck stopped at the top of our street, leaving. So, I was contemplating what to do. All of a sudden, the truck went backwards and as he drove down the hill, he signaled to me that he would take care of it. He didn't have to. He could have gone his way and worried about it after Christmas. But, to my delight and relief, he took our full load of garbage and dumped it into his truck.

Thank you for taking the time to care Garbage Man. Thank you for looking out for me and my family. God Bless you for your compassion and dedication to the job!! =)

P.S. Only one kiddo woke up from the noise of the garage door. No other kiddo was affected by this traumatic moment.

Funny

A friend posted this clip of 12 guys singing some Christmas songs. It is quite cute and worth the time.

Twelve Days

Oh what a day!!

Yesterday was a good day...but very busy!

5 am. Woke up, like I do everyday. No, I'm not setting my alarm. My body is just being picky and waking up. So, since my husband was leaving shortly to teach class, I got up and made him some breakfast and spent some time with him before he left for the weekend.
6 am. After finishing the dishes, I settled down for some more sleep.
6:30 am. My son woke up. He never wakes up this early unless he feels he needs to make sure all is ok in the house. It always ends up on days that I want to sleep in. Ah-well.
7:15 am. Found some cereal and a Mickey Mouse video for my son. Got him settled and went back to bed for 45 more minutes of sleep.
8:00 am. Alarm went off....now the real day begins.
8:30 am. Left for Church. My son is in the Christmas Program at Church. So, with that, he had practice at 9 am. Spent a bit of time there.
11 am. Decided that donuts were a good thing to have before Christmas shopping. My son declared: "Donuts, here I come!"
11:30 am. Went to the mall and picked up Christmas outfit. If my son had his wish, he would wear Cars PJs to the Christmas program, but after 20 minutes of persuasion, he decided a sweater would be better. Whew!
1:00 pm. Headed home to scoop driveway. When I say I love my husband, I really do. That driveway isn't fun to scoop. There was a bit of snow that we got the night before and it was some work. Though it was fun to scoop it with my son. He was all bundled up and had his own shovel to use. We had some interesting paths and piles, but it was a fun....even though it was a lot of work.
2:30 pm. Off to make Christmas cookies! We made 4 dozen sugar and 2 dozen chocolate chip. I think we would have made more, but both my son and I like to nibble. So, we are thankful for what we ended up with.

The rest of the day was filled with catching up with friends and family. I have to say, even though it was a busy day, it was a good day. My son and I made some great memories.

Today, we have the Christmas Program and hubby will be home. Glad to have the weekend, but not sure I can take too much more fun. =)

Friday Five: Rejoice!

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Can you believe that in two days we'll be halfway through Advent? Gaudete Sunday: pink candle on the advent wreath, rose vestments for those who have them, concerts and pageants in many congregations. Time to rejoice!

Rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.

What makes you rejoice about:

1. Waiting? Knowing when the wait is over, I have been granted a wonderful gift. Patience, something new or waited for, or even something I didn't expect. This past weekend it was hard waiting. I waited 4 hours with my husband to purchase our new vehicle. We picked it out in the 1st hour, but the other 3 hours were waiting.
Yes, the wait was long.
Yes, I complained.
Yes, I was starving.
Yes, I would do it again.

Why?
I rejoice in the knowledge I have a new vehicle that will work when we need it.
I rejoice in the knowledge that my husband is more at ease with having this new vehicle.
I rejoice in the knowledge that each time I sit down in the seat, I will have a comfortable ride, with heated seats.
I rejoice that my son can now see out the window and gets excited.
I rejoice in the new car feel.
I rejoice because my husband and I did something together for our greater good.

All because I waited an enormous amount of time and did not detour from my decision.

2. Darkness? This is when I can sleep. Sleep these days are precious. I keep waking up (even last night) for 1-2 hours each night. When I can sleep through the night, I truly rejoice. When I can get any sleep, is a blessing in itself.

3. Winter? I love winter. The wonderful snow. The chill in the air. The excited screams from kids when they see the fluffy stuff come down or on the ground. The buzz in the air. The feeling I get when I walk into a store from outside, just makes my whole being wake up.

4. Advent & Jesus' coming?? The expectation of what is to come.
I rejoice at the thought that with this tiny baby, I am able to live a life beyond this earthly one.
I rejoice at the innocence of Mary and Joseph and the tremendous risk they made to bring Jesus into the world.
I rejoice at their courage and their strength and their deep love.

What a wonderful time of year!

Mary

by Max Lucado

The following is excerpt 2 of 4 from An Angel’s Story. Each week in December we will send out another in the series. Read the first story, Gabriel, at MaxLucado.com.

In this classic Christmas story, Max Lucado pulls back the curtain and imagines the cosmic drama that accompanied that very first Christmas…from the perspective of an angel.

---

The Father whispered to me. I heard Him as if at my side. “Go, Gabriel: go and tell Mary.”

On a wave of worship I flew, this time alone. I circled through the clouds and over the ground. Below me was the city where Mary was born. The Father was right; I knew her in an instant. Her heart had no shadow. Her soul was as pure as any I’ve seen.

I made the final descent. “Mary.” I kept my voice low so as not to startle her.

She turned but saw nothing. Then I realized I was invisible to her. I waved my wings before my body and incarnated. She covered her face at the Light and shrank into the protection of the doorway.

“Don’t be afraid,” I urged.

The minute I spoke, she looked up toward the sky. Again I was amazed.

I praised my Father for His wisdom. Her heart is so flawless, so willing. “Greetings. God be with you.”

Her eyes widened, and she turned as if to run. “Mary, you have nothing to fear. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call His name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Highest. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever—no end, ever, to His kingdom.”

Though she was listening, she was puzzled.

“But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”

Before I spoke I looked up into the heavens. The Father was standing, giving me His blessing.

I continued, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”

Mary looked at me, then up into the sky. For a long time she gazed into the blueness, so long that I, too, looked up. Did she see the angels? Did the heavens open? I do not know. But I do know when I looked back at her, she was smiling.

“Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.”

As she spoke, a Light appeared in her womb.

From An Angel's Story
(originally published as Cosmic Christmas)
Copyright (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2002, 2004) Max Lucado

Gabriel

by Max Lucado

The following is excerpt 1 of 4 from An Angel’s Story. Each week in December we will send out another in the series.

In this classic Christmas story, Max Lucado pulls back the curtain and imagines the cosmic drama that accompanied that very first Christmas…from the perspective of an angel.

---

“Gabriel.”

Just the sound of my King’s voice stirred my heart. I left my post at the entryway and stepped into the throne room. To my left was the desk on which sat the Book of Life. Ahead of me was the throne of Almighty God. I entered the circle of unceasing Light, folded my wings before me to cover my face, and knelt before Him. “Yes, my Lord?”

“You have served the kingdom well. You are a noble messenger. Never have you flinched in duty. Never have you flagged in zeal.”

I bowed my head, basking in the words. “Whatever You ask, I’ll do a thousand times over, my King,” I promised.

“Of that, I have no doubt, dear messenger.” His voice assumed a solemnity I’d never heard Him use. “But your greatest work lies ahead of you. Your next assignment is to carry a gift to Earth. Behold.”

I lifted my eyes to see a necklace—a clear vial on a golden chain—dangling from His extended hand.

My Father spoke earnestly, “Though empty, this vial will soon contain My greatest gift.” …Handing me the necklace, He explained, “This vial will contain the essence of Myself; a Seed to be placed in the womb of a young girl. Her name is Mary. She lives among My chosen people. The fruit of the Seed is the Son of God. Take it to her.”

“But how will I know her?” I asked.

“Don’t worry. You will.”

I could not comprehend God’s plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was. I lowered my head, and He draped the chain around my neck. Amazingly, the vial was no longer empty. It glowed with Light.

“Jesus. Tell her to call My Son Jesus.”

From An Angel's Story
(originally published as Cosmic Christmas)
Copyright (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2002, 2004) Max Lucado

Thursday

Thank God it's Thursday! Some people are thankful for Friday, but Thursday is my early day. All of my kiddos are picked up by 4:30 pm. Usually I work until 5:30. Thursdays are not that day.

Then there is the 9 month old. The last day with a particular baby that is crabby because he is going through the parent withdraw. He cries when I leave the room because he thinks I'm not coming back. Oh, there are tears, loud screams, and tantrums. I'm patient. I quietly move him to another room to throw his tantrum and he is usually better after 5-10 minutes. The worst is right before nap time. He's over tired and then I "disappear". That's when I start to laugh to myself and say "how rough!" I wish I could throw a tantrum for my husband or son leaving the house. I wish I could cry histerically for the slightest thing I didn't like happening. But I can't and so I am teaching him that he can't. It's a slow process. In the mean time.....I'm thankful that I have a day off from him tomorrow.

Then, Fridays bring my son back all day. He has preschool Monday-Thursday. Friday he is home all day. We made a milestone this week. On Tuesday, he started going poop in the potty. It sounds as though he is doing it at school too, but this hasn't been confirmed by his teacher. Right now it is hearsay from my son. But, if he is doing at school what he is doing at home, that could not make me more happier! What a great week! I'm glad that he finally figured it out! He's only 4 1/2, but I am so happy he finally, finally figured it out!!! =)

Thank God for Thursdays!

funnies

Too funny not to share!!

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That 's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?????

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, or like me-- don't have a clue what mincemeat pie is, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Tuesday

I love snow days!! My husband and son had a snow day and since I have a ton of teacher's kiddos, I have less kiddos. But, as it turns out, with a 1/2 inch of ice on the ground, the other 2 kiddos didn't make it to my home either. So, as it turns out, I had a snow day today too! Gotta love the snow and ice!!! =)

Monday

I'm so glad that it is Monday, but do wish I could have spent a little bit more time at home. Between shopping for a car, going to a hockey game, church, and grill group, it has been a hectic weekend. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed everything we did, but it just made our time fly so and make me feel so overwhelmed at times.

I wish this weekend would be better. My son is in the Christmas program at church. Practice is at 9 am on Saturday. We need to make a few dozen cookies for Sunday's program that day too. I do need to get a few things done on the shopping side. And then Sunday is church and Christmas program. Pretty much I will be at church for 4-5 hours. I will be glad when I can get some sleep. Won't get to sleep in long on Saturday and not an option on Sunday. Hum......well...at least there will be plenty of people to visit with and a fun program to see of the kiddos. =)

New/Used Car

Ok...so I am a geek! My husband says I am, and I believe him. We went out on Saturday, my husband and I. And took 4 hours to get the dealership to finalize things (they wanted to sell us more than we wanted and we kept saying no) and in the end, we purchased a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe (looks a lot like the picture). I think it's me, but I feel spoiled. The Santa Fe has heated seats, sunroof, 6 disk, cd changer, remote locks, 4 wheel drive, and cruise control. It's been 5 1/2 years since we bought any newer vehicle and that was just the "basics". We thought we were blessed then by getting a CD player. Oh, how times have changed!! =)

Early Saturday Morning

So....being up around 12:20 am didn't use to be too strange for me. But lately it has. I have been sick and very tired. I went to bed at 9 pm and for the past hour, I have been awake. I don't know why, but I am still awake. It first started because my husband came to bed and woke me when he climbed into the covers. Then for the next 30 minutes, I had a hard time re-adjusting. Then, I nicely asked him to move to the guest bed. He told me days ago that he would be glad to do that. So, very nicely, he went to sleep there. Now, for the past 32 minutes, I have been still struggling to sleep. Why not check my email? It's all good right?

I got an email from my friend C in Belgium. She is married and has 3 kiddos. Her oldest just turned 5. Hard to imagine, but he isn't much older than my son. He speaks and per her email, also is reading both English and French. That just amazes me. I have a hard time comprehending English. Wasn't good at German in school, but managed. This 5 year old is mastering 2 languages! Wow! Her other 2 kiddos are 3 and 1. They sound good and it's nice to hear from them.

Then I checked the blog of a friend in Lincoln. He reminds me that the Omaha shooting hits so close to home. His parents were supposed to be shopping at the same store the shooting took place. They headed for home to make an appointment with the furnace guy. If not for that appt, the Lord only knows what could of happened. I am thankful for this appt. They are safe and left only to be thankful for the change in events that day.

I really think my mind is racing though because we hope to purchase a new vehicle on Saturday. We have been wanting to go out for a month or so. Last weekend was supposed to be the time to go. But, we got ice on the roads. And I don't feel safe and I'm sure that car dealers don't either for us to test drive a vehicle in those conditions. So, today is the day. We have our son going to a friends and my hubby and I head out. We have this Saturn car that is older and is starting to show signs of it's age. My husband and I thought we would trade it in. [My brother-in-law would be happy to hear that......yes, this was the car with the K-State sticker.]

Well, sleep is now calling me. Must find bathroom then bed. Hope you all had pleasant dreams and woke up refreshed. Today is a new day. Make the most of it!

Friday 5, preparation, preparation.....

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This has been a difficult week for me, the death of a little six year old has overshadowed our advent preparations, and made many of us here in Downham Market look differently at Christmas. With that in mind I ask whether you are the kind of person that likes everything prepared well in advance, are you a last minute crammer, or a bit of a mixture.....

Here then is this weeks Friday 5:

1. You have a busy week, pushing out all time for preparing worship/ Sunday School lessons/ being ready for an important meeting (or whatever equivalent your profession demands)- how do you cope? I start my morning with a quick prayer. The quiet time with God helps so much for me to ease my mind, get me refocused on my day and keep me level headed (hopefully).

2. You have unexpected visitors, and need to provide them with a meal- what do you do? I have always been the one who is pretty flexible. Sometimes we go out to eat. Sometimes we can prepare a quick meal here. I'm not very upset on ordering pizza either. =) I am just thankful for the guests and the wonderful time we have together.

Three discussion topics:

3. Thinking along the lines of this weeks advent theme; repentance is an important but often neglected aspect of advent preparations..... I think remembering why we are forgiven is so important. Remembering that Jesus was born and then later died for our sins brings so much emotion to my heart. I find myself feeling so blessed during the Christmas and Lent season that I very often repent for my sins without even knowing it. It becomes just second nature to anything I do. Humility is something I long to be when I think of all that I have given to me. Thanking God for his sacrifice and praising him for how he sent Jesus to earth in such a miraculous way, just brings such peace to my heart.

4. Some of the best experiences in life occur when you simply go with the flow..... I agree but disagree. I have learned that as long as I do what I feel is best, listen to my heart (not my head) things do tend to be good. That doesn't always mean following the crowd or going with the flow. That means following what I feel is the best decision. Sometimes that means going away from what everyone else is doing....but in the end, I feel better about how I have lived my life in that moment.

5. Details are everything, attention to the small things enables a plan to roll forward smoothly... I tend to be a leader. But when others step forward, I try and look to the little things to do. Every task needs the small things done to make the large picture to look great. I tend to get wrapped up in all the little things that need to be done that I let someone else take care of the bigger things. Making a big dinner, you worry about all the food, but I look at the table and how it looks and needs to be set up. I look at the after dinner...what do we do. The great thing is that I have such great friends and family that we all look to help each other get things done.

Bonus if you dare- how well prepared are you for Christmas this year? All we worry about at our home is getting the tree up and remembering that each day brings us closer to a wonderful family day remembering Jesus' birth. I don't have hardly any gifts bought or the lights up outside...but I do have so many memories built up already. My husband and son make remembering the other things so much more relaxed.

We remember

Yesterday, an awful thing happened in Omaha, Nebraska.
8 innocent people died by the gunshot of a suicide gunman.

I hope we all can take a moment to think of the families of the people that were gunned down, and to the other victims that were injured or witnessed the horrific event that unfolded in the Westroads Mall.

May God be with you through this awful event and that you find peace to be able to live your lives again.

Monday

So, after a strange but good weekend, I am again sitting down to type. I have all my kiddos back today. Each are good and each are driving me batty! The youngest was gone all last week. He had a virus and stayed home. I'm glad, but since he is 9 months old, he has a problem remembering things. Like the simple thing that when I put him in his high chair, he will eat. He just started screaming today. No reason. Just didn't want to be put in that spot. All the other kiddos are just looking at me...."what are you going to do?" What could I do? He's 9 months. I talked to him. Tried to calm him down....but he was in that "mood". He didn't want to settle down. He didn't want to see anyone....he wanted what any 9 month old wanted....to crawl as quickly as he could and tear down the Christmas tree that I put up when he was gone. All the pretty lights and such. It looked all so much fun. "I must destroy it!!!" Ah....little one...just realize that as much as you scream.....I will not get upset. I will only place you in a quiet spot until you settle down. Oh, little one, if you only knew.....3 other kiddos before you have tired this. They all have failed. Good luck on your quest, but it is in vain.

Then, I have one kiddo that is crabby because mom left. You think that a 1 or 2 year old would act this way. No, this kiddo is 4. He is a big boy. He knows that when mom leaves, things aren't always going to go his way. He knows he is tired and will have to lay down at nap time and try and sleep. He knows that if he is mean to the other kiddos, he will have a consequence. So the real reason for the tears, isn't that mom is leaving....it's because he will have to listen to authority and be a good boy. Oh little one.....how much you know but don't realize that this is much like life when you are older. Nobody likes to listen to authority, but we all have to. It is part of life.

And lastly....my son. I went in and talked with him to wake him up. He cuddled, tickled, and laughed. He was on cloud nine when the kiddos showed up. He bound to the door to let them in. He jumped for joy when we put on his coat. And he practically ran to the bus when it came to pick him up. Oh, what an attitude! I hope his whole day is that merry!! What a good day!